Thanks. A million thanks.
A Hong Kong family who wish to remain anonymous sent a HK$1 million cheque last week to Operation Santa Claus, the holiday fund-raising appeal organised by the South China Morning Post and RTHK.
Before posting the cheque, the family called Bryan Curtis, RTHK's head of English programme services, to tell him of their intentions.
'I'm supposed to be a grizzled old hack - 25 years in the news business - but I got so choked up when they called me, I couldn't speak,' Curtis said. 'I teared up. It was embarrassing but I hope to have that feeling again.'
The family has donated HK$1 million before - once in 2003, then again in 2005. This year, the elderly patriarch, on behalf of his family, attached a note along with the cheque. It reads: 'With Yuletide approaching, perhaps it is time for me to contribute to this meaningful endeavour again. I certainly hope I can continue to take part for many years to come. Enclosed please find my cheque for HK$1 million for Operation Santa Claus... Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family.'
This year many generous Hongkongers, groups and companies have already donated. As well as the HK$1 million cheque, two other individuals have sent HK$100,000 cheques.